14 Underrated State Parks You Should Visit
Some of the best adventures happen in places most people overlook. While national parks get all the glory, state parks offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences, often without the crowds and high entry fees. If you’ve ever found yourself squeezed between selfie sticks at a famous overlook, you know the value of a hidden gem.
The following underrated state parks deserve a spot on your travel list. They deliver breathtaking views, fascinating history, and plenty of room to roam.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula hides this rugged paradise of old-growth forests, roaring waterfalls, and stunning Lake Superior views. Locals call it “the Porkies,” and it’s one of the best spots in the Midwest for backpacking. The Lake of the Clouds overlook? Absolutely worth the hike.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Most people flock to Mount Rushmore, but Custer State Park offers an even better show. Picture rolling hills, winding scenic roads, and a herd of 1,500 bison casually blocking traffic like they own the place. Wildlife Loop Road is a must-drive, where you’ll spot bison, pronghorn, and maybe a few wild burros begging for snacks.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Red rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see, making this park feel like a scene from Mars. Ancient petroglyphs tell stories from thousands of years ago, while the vibrant sandstone glows at sunrise and sunset. Skip the Vegas strip for a day and hike Fire Wave Trail; it’s a jackpot of natural beauty.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
California’s largest state park is a wild, untamed desert wonderland. Spring brings an explosion of colorful wildflowers, while the night sky offers some of the best stargazing in the country. If you ever wanted to feel tiny in the grand scheme of things, stand beneath the massive metal dragon sculpture here.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Think Ohio is all cornfields? Think again. Hocking Hills is a fairytale landscape of waterfalls, gorges, and caves. Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave are perfect for an easy yet rewarding hike. If you visit in the fall, the foliage is an absolute showstopper.
Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas
Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, Devil’s Den is a dream for hikers and history buffs. The park’s rock formations and caves feel like nature’s playground, and its Civilian Conservation Corps-built cabins offer a charming, rustic stay. The trails here wind through lush forests, past creeks, and into the heart of the Ozarks.
Letchworth State Park, New York
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth is a jaw-dropper. The Genesee River carves through the gorge, creating massive waterfalls that rival anything in a national park. It’s a top spot for hot air balloon rides, offering views you won’t forget.
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota
A waterfall lover’s dream, this park along Lake Superior’s North Shore features cascading falls, rugged cliffs, and some of the best fall colors in the country. The trails here are short but packed with scenery, making it a perfect stop on a road trip up the shore.
Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia
The namesake waterfall plunges 57 feet into a deep gorge, creating a dramatic scene any time of year. In winter, the falls freeze into an icy wonderland. The rest of the park is packed with scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and mountain air so crisp you’ll want to bottle it.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, this Texas gem offers stunning red rock scenery without the overwhelming crowds. Hike the Lighthouse Trail for an iconic view of the canyon’s towering rock formations. At night, the stars put on a show that rivals the daytime views.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., this park is a must-visit for waterfall chasers. The suspension bridge adds an extra thrill to your hike, and the swimming holes here are perfect for cooling off in the summer.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
Smith Rock, a rock climber’s paradise, features dramatic cliffs rising above the Crooked River. Even if you’re not scaling the walls, the Misery Ridge Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views. The high desert scenery is straight out of a postcard.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky
Known as the “Niagara of the South,” this park’s star attraction is a 68-foot waterfall that creates a rare moonbow, one of the only places on Earth where you can see one. Plan a visit during a full moon for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska
You won’t find any roads leading to this Alaskan paradise. The only way to get there is to take a boat or plane, but once you arrive, you’re rewarded with glaciers, rugged mountains, and a chance to spot whales and sea otters. The hiking here is unforgettable, and the solitude? Absolute perfection.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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